Each year the Pittsburgh Agency for Jewish Learning has honored teachers and dedicated volunteers in Jewish educational institutions for their work with their students. This June two educators from Ohav Shalom were honored for their contributions to our preschool and religious school. Danielle West, a Sunday School teacher, member of the Temple Board, Leadership Committee, and President of the Parent Committee has worked with parents, educators, and Temple members to bring Reggio Emilia practices into our program. Kimberly Schorr, former preschool parent and educator, and more recently, Sunday School teacher, brings a wonderful energy, creativity, and joy of learning into her work with the children. Congratulations to both of our Unsung Heroes!

A “discovery hike” with magnifying glasses, clipboards, tweezers, scissors, and bags for collecting began our first session of camp. We discovered a purple smoke bush in full bloom and brought back some of the feathery blooms in addition to leaves, sticks, grasses, and even a piece of rebar! The children have been drawing and writing about their discoveries in their journals. The week ended with a water day filled with outdoor water play in the pools and playground.